Alaska Forage Manual - Alaska Plant Materials Center - State of ...

Grazing Pasture
Hay Cropping
Cattle graze on pasture land in Southcentral Alaska.
Pasture is land with vegetation cover
consisting of grasses and legumes used for
livestock in a farm setting. Pastureland can also
be used by wild animals for grazing or browsing
purposes. In most cases, cultivated forage
crops produce higher yields than most native
forages. Crops are consumed during different
stages of growth.
Control and regulation of grazing intensity,
timing, frequency and selectivity are dictated
by the producer to control the effects
of grazing animals on plants (Holechek, Pieper
& Herbel, 2004, p. 127). A study from Owen et
al. 1998 found that a high intensity overgrazed
pasture ultimately causes plant death. It was
found that grasses can be grazed without damage
if 50% to 70% of the leaf and stem material
by weight is left intact as a metabolic reserve.
The remaining 30% to 50% is considered “surplus”
that can be consumed.
Photo: Cindy Gallagher, AK PMC
Photo: Alaska Division of Agriculture
Bales of hay typically contain 10 to 20% moisture.
Hay is a major source of fodder for the
livestock industry during the dormant season.
Grasses, legumes, or other herbaceous plants
are often used as a hay source. At roughly 25%
moisture content - plants are cut, left to cure or
wilt in the field and then processed into bales.
Hay is then used as animal feed when grazing
pasture is unavailable due to cold temperatures
or when animals are kept in a barn or other enclosed
area.
Hay is sensitive to weather conditions
which can play a large role in the quality of the
product. If harvested in a drought year, plant
quality and hay production may be diminished.
In wet weather, the cut hay may spoil prior to
baling or develop rot and mold once baled. Potential
toxins then become a concern, as animals
can become sick if they are fed spoiled
hay. Musty and/or mildewy odors indicate the
presence of mold within hay.
Photo: Casey Dinkel, AK PMC
At left:
Hay bales can be subject to free grazing by
moose if not protected or stored properly.
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